Tuesday, 13-10-26

Tuesday greetings, everyone.  

One of the things about sitting at my laptop and socially mediating (is that even a term?) at this time is noticing how much later light is dawning from day to day.  It'll be brighter for a while in under two weeks, when the clock goes back but, right now, seven am feels like it should be proper light and it really isn't.
Mind you, maybe the longer nights is one reason why I am sleeping better at the moment.  Do you find that the darker evenings and mornings are more conducive to better sleep?

Yesterday happened!  Circuits was a lot busier than last week.  Last week there were four of us - this week, double that number so it was lovely and chatty!

Did I get the housework done.  Er . . . well, a bit.  And I changed the bedding, got it washed and dried in the dryer (such extravagance) so it just needed folding nicely.  

I received some paperwork from school and went through it before today's meeting - it wasn't much and didn't take long.
I didn't get on with the training but I'm half way through and have time.
I fired off several semi-related messages.

And I got on with a bit of crochet - still practising!

And I sorted out my kitchen before bedtime.  Yay.

Best of all, I got a message from Kay saying things had calmed down and she would be returning to her job in December, should I still want her.  You can guess what I said to that!!

Today starts with Groove.  I'll be going on my own as Chris and Steve are away for a midweek break.  Then I have a meeting in school which should be good.  Then I'm back home so maybe, just maybe, a bit of housework will get done.  Fingers crossed.

Oh, and I need to look up a few things for another meeting tomorrow.  Being a governor isn't always like this, it is just at the moment things are a bit busy.  And I really don't mind the training stuff - it keeps my brain active.

Better stop rambling and say goodbye.  Stay safe and warm, everyone.  xx

Monday, 12-10-26

Morning!  It doesn't feel quite so chilly this morning, which is nice, and light is dawning.  I've made my lunchtime soup (carrot, tomato and lentil) which smells pretty good and now I'm thinking about bath and getting dressed - after this.

Yesterday was just as expected.  Both lots of bread came out beautifully and I got Beth's over to her soon after midday, staying for a little chat before coming home.
And that was about it!

Today starts with circuits and I can take Lindsey her bread and some tomatoes and then, being Monday, it is housework day.  Nothing very exciting but it will look nice when it's done.

And that's it.  My 'exciting' life.  🙂

How about you?  xx

Sunday, 11-10-26

Good morning, everyone.  I'm up early while it is still dark after a lovely night's sleep.  I did um and ah about a lie in but decided I didn't really want one!  I'm not really a lie and read person; I prefer being up and doing first thing and reading later on in my comfy recliner.

So I've sorted out the kitchen because I left it messy last night (bad me) and I noted with satisfaction that Bubbles has bubbled really well overnight.  I'll just give her another hour or so and then start Lindsey's sourdough.  Last week I made cheese and chorizo bread for her and she said it was fantastic as I think I mentioned.  This week it is the usual mixed flour loaves because she's nearly out of that.

Then I can make Beth's yeasted bread in the same bowl (I use Thermione for the kneading) because is amazing the difference just a bit of sourdough makes to a yeasted dough - it rises like a hot air balloon!

Back to yesterday and I'm still practising!  I'm not sure about this project.  It's 'cluttered' and sewing on the leaves was trickier and messier than I expected.
 The fir cones are very fiddly, I don't like the poinsettia so will have a think about how I can adapt it and the berries are not even and regular so more practise is needed all round.
If course, as a practise run, I am using the very cheap acrylic I already have which doesn't have a great twist and so comes out a bit fuzzy and undefined.  That's not helping.

I might try the bow today - that looks to be a little simpler.

Wish me luck.

I managed to get more of the Gov Hub training done.  I'm going carefully as I do need to remember the essentials this time.  Slow, steady and taking notes of essential points.

So, today I will do more of the training, I have bread to make, meals to plan and prep and a bow to try!  And tomatoes - so many tomatoes!!  
(no complaints - they can keep coming as far as I am concerned)

And the daily social media stuff on Facebook!

Better get going then.  Facebook first, I think, then tomatoes and then I can start the sourdough!

Have a lovely day and, to my Canadian readers, Happy Thanksgiving Holiday to you for tomorrow - have a wonderful celebration.  xx

Saturday, 10-10-26

Morning - it's a lovely sunny morning but it does feel quite chilly.  Not heating on chilly, just another layer chilly!

I now have a much happier nose!
I know Specsavers always say that if there's a problem just pop in so I did.  They were busy and I had to wait my turn so just under half an hour later I walked out all sorted, instant relief, no charge and 'would I like the blu tac back?', lol.  No, I didn't and we both laughed, me and the lady sorting it for me.

I did a bit of wandering around in town but when it came to it, I didn't eat out.  I did look in the M&S cafe but there was a queue and it was slow moving so I didn't.  Instead, I treated myself to an M&S pizza, garlic bread and a bit of alcohol - a bit naughty as I had gained on the SW scales but you have to have a treat now and again, don't you?

The rest of the day passed in a blur of snoozing, reading, crochet, snooze . .  it has been a busy old week and I think it was just the reaction because I slept well all night too.

This weekend the diary is blank - lovely!  Of course, I have things to do including a bit of extra governor training relating to something that's coming up before half term.  I don't HAVE to do it but I OUGHT to, if you see what I mean.  It will help.

Are you doing anything nice this weekend.  Going away, out, something special?  Whatever you do, have a great time and stay safe and well.  xx

Friday, 09-20-26

Hi, everyone.   I'm sitting here, fluffy slippers on, snuggle hood over my pjs and it's nice and comfy.  To be fair, the heating hasn't clicked on (it's controlled all year round by a thermostat) so it can't be as cold as it was yesterday morning when it came on and stayed on pretty much all morning.
Autumn is definitely here now, late but inevitable!

I'm still getting loads of tomatoes though.  Yesterday, I gave Chris a bag of them and then Vat took a bagful home too and today I have more to deal with.  Poor freezer!!
I had a bit of a sort out of my shelf stable stuff and I have enough cans of tomatoes to last for decades (slight exaggeration) so it's lucky I really love tomatoes, isn't it?

I can't remember if I said, I don't think I did, but I got my quarterly gas statement a few days ago and then an email saying I'm paying too much monthly and they are reducing it from next month.  That's OK although I had decided not to bring it up with them because we are starting the heavier usage season but it's swings and roundabouts really and I guess what with the amount they already have and what I will be paying monthly, I don't need to worry unduly about it.  A comfort if or when it gets really cold.  

The jury seems to be out on whether we will get a cold or a warm winter this time around, according to the Meteorological Office, despite all the alarming headlines about stocking up, etc.

While on the subject, the little gas stove arrived but I haven't looked at it or tried it out yet.  If we have sunny weather, I might give it a go in the garden with some sausages, etc, and just see how it goes!  :-)

Yesterday was lovely and far more relaxing than Wednesday.  

Chris turned up at half nine as usual and we had our usual mix of coffee, laughs and setting our world to rights.

While she was here, Seth arrived to finish off the last little bit of the new window that got overlooked on Wednesday.  It really is just a little bit of sealing, as you can see, but I don't have any and would likely make a real mess of it anyway.  Best left to the pros.
Now it is all done and dusted and I am waiting for the invoice to land so I can pay.  It's nice to know the view will be unimpeded by condensation between the panes. from now on.

Chris left, Val came and it was just lovely.  We have both had holidays since the last time we met so we shared the fun and then went to The Hare for lunch.  I brought half of my salad home to finish off for dinner!

Annoyingly, I have to go into town today; the little silicon nose pads have fallen off my glasses - both of them, not just one - and I have no idea how.  I do know when because my nose is very sore!!
At the moment, there's some blu-tac cushioning the worst of it but I know they will be able to stick some new ones on for me so no worries.

So I will go to Slimming World, leave early and get the bus into town to get them sorted.  I might be a bit naughty and have a bit of breakfast in town too.  There's several little coffee places I have wanted to try for a while now.

That's it for today.  Nothing else in  the diary so I can chill and maybe get on with some crochet later on.

Happy Friday, everyone.  Have a lovely day.  xx

Thursday, 08-10-26

 Morning, all.  Brrr - it's a pretty chilly start to the day here.  I've just been out for my early morning personal training and a coat was appreciated!

Yesterday was busy but everything went well, thankfully.  I've not slept well because of stuff buzzing around in my head but that just means I'll sleep better this evening, doesn't it?

Today is going to be good.  I've just had PT, Chris is coming over for coffee and chat and then Val is over and we're going out for lunch.
No meetings, no windows, no anything formal.  Phew.

And later on, I can get on with my crochet.  That will be relaxing.  

Have a great day, stay warm and stay well, everyone.  xx

Wednesday, 07-10-26

Morning, everyone.  Better late than never - as the saying goes.

Thanks for the queries about yesterday.  The coffee morning went really well and I'm so glad I went.

It's weird how you can have weeks with blank pages in the diary and then meeting after meeting land for the following week.
This is one of those weeks.

Yesterday I got a message 'can the boys come and replace your window tomorrow' (it's been on the cards for ages) so that's this morning taken up.  They're doing it as I type.
I have another governor meeting in school this afternoon - quite an important one too so I need to remember to take my brain (and my notes) with me.
And then, this evening, there's 'Governors' Update' training online.  There's been a whole load of changes recently so it's going to be both valuable and heavy!  These are termly and always very good indeed.
I also have to do some reading up for something else connected with my governor responsibility but not today; I have time for that.

And, finally, it seems the school is having an 'Inclusion Review' thingy next week, from the LEA.  It's not an OFSTED thing, no judgements, it's just to see where the school is and support any changes that might need to be made in the light of recent changes.
As I am the SEND/Inclusion link governor, I will be going along to talk to them.  Not just me, there's three of us, and it should be good but . . . 

Busy, busy, busy!!
I have managed to do some housework, though, and there's some washing drying on the rack so that's good.

Better go and see how it's going and see if the milk is good so I can offer them a coffee.
Stay safe and well, everyone.  xx

Tuesday, 06-10-26

Good morning.  Just a quick one today as I'm a bit pushed for time and need to be in school before nine for a SEND coffee morning (I'm the SEND link governor).

Thanks you to everyone who commented yesterday.  I'm on a bit off an adventure with this wreath, aren't I.  It was different with that little advent blanket last year when I just used what I had and made the best of it.  This year I'm doing a bit more prep - and starting the whole process earlier!

I can see it's all going to get a bit boring so I'll shut up about it for a while and maybe do a once a week update.
Or something like that.  😉

Right, well, I need to move on so I'll wish you all a great Tuesday.  See you tomorrow.  xx

Monday, 05-10-26

Good morning, everyone.  Welcome to Monday.  Did you have an enjoyable weekend?

I spent much of yesterday on this . . .

I may not have bought any yarn on Saturday but I did get a polystyrene ring and crochet covered it yesterday.   Just a long strip of double crochet (UK terms), wrapped round and round quite tightly and stitched.

I think I will fasten it to the ring with some non-rust pins, just to keep it firmly in place and not twisting at all.

It would have been easier to use ribbon but then it would be more difficult to sew the leaves, etc, into place.

Lovely holly leaf from Attic 24 but my cheap acrylic yarn doesn't have enough definition; it's just too fuzzy round the edges.  Fine for practising but not for something that will take me hours and hours of crocheting.
I wonder if I can find an acrylic mix with more twist and definition.  Must have a nosey around the internet!

Today, after circuits, is a home day.  There's tidying, cleaning, washing . . . all the usual stuff.  I'm hoping to get quite a lot done today.

How about you?  xx

Sunday, 04-10-26

Morning, all.  Welcome to what started as a very misty autumnal early morning before the sun started breaking through.

I had fun looking around a few shops yesterday.  I did a bit of non-food stocking up in Sainsburys; earlier in the year I stocked up on various cleaning materials, that sort of thing, and they were getting a bit low.  I looked around the clothes but, dear me, so much drabness!  Even Christmas stiff wasn't what I want for Christmas.  I want red, green, gold, sparkle, not washed out pink!!  On the other hand - Christmas chocolates, biscuits, etc - really?  In this house, they would be gone before the end of October!!

It was fun looking though.

I was kind of hoping I might get a petrol voucher with my receipt.  You do sometimes.  Not this time though, so I filled up without one.  Now, I know it's nearly two months since I last filled up and things are unstable, I get that, but it was shocking how much fuel has increased since last time.
It is what it is though; there's not a lot we can do about it!!

Then I popped into Hobbycraft.  Didn't buy any yarn though.  Hobbycraft's range of yarn has definitely gone downhill.  Such a shame.
If you have read yesterday's comments, you will see that the lovely pattern I bought might be an AI generated pattern (I know the photo was AI generated/enhanced) as there are reports that it doesn't really work.  Now, I have loads of DK acrylic yarn lying around so I'm going to use a smaller hook and the DK and just have a go at the various elements, just to see.  I might learn something, I might have to adapt, but I do like a challenge.
I'll report back in time.

It's been a busy morning.
The washing is in, the chicken I roasted yesterday has been stripped and the carcass is in the slow cooker, I have some leek and pepper softening slowly on the hob for a bean stew and Bubbles is in the oven with the light on because it's been cold overnight and she's a bit sluggish - and I need to make Lindsey's bread.
And I've just spent ages looking for this week's meal planning sheet, only to find it screwed up and in the bin.  Not torn up, thankfully!  I wonder who did that, now.  <cough >

Happy Sunday to you all.  Have a great day.  xx

Saturday, 03-10-26 and a follow up

 Good morning, everyone.  Welcome to Saturday.

First of all, big thanks to Nicky  who alerted me to a possible difficulty with the Christmas Wreath I bought yesterday. 

Nicky, you were absolutely right.  When I went into my mailbox, there was another download of the same pattern, far closer to what you described although without the 'Internal - not for customers' bit.  It was significantly different in some places (possibly in other places too, I haven't gone through them both with a fine tooth comb) including the actual construction so, obviously, there's a bit of a blip in whatever software is used to download patterns.
My yarn order had already been processed so I'm 'stuck' with it.  I use inverted commas because 'too much yarn' or 'unnecessary yarn' or even 'yarn I don't need now' don't appear in my vocabulary.  It's an impossibility.  How can you ever have too much yarn (no need to answer this!!!)?  I'll find something to use it up, fear not - in fact, I might make an adapted horizontal version of the wreath that could be used as a table centre decoration.  Then the cotton weight wouldn't matter so much.
We will see.

However - not good really so, in the evening, I fired off a message with a bit of a complaint.  I'm not great at complaining so it was very polite but I did say I wasn't happy with the mistake.
And, to be very fair, within half an hour, on a Friday evening, back came a very sincere apology and an offer to give me any pattern download from the site free.  I chose one and, lo and behold, there it was in my mailbox this morning with another apology and a suggestion that, if I wanted to, she would appreciate any feedback regarding the actual pattern.

This is the one I chose - yes, another Christmas wreath - because I dithered for ages over which one to buy in the first place and I can see lots of other uses for the individual parts of this pattern - decorations for the Christmas tree, little gifts, etc.  It's more child friendly, isn't it?

Yes, not a good thing to happen when you're building a business (and it's obviously not the only mistake, judging by what Nicky said) but I can't fault the follow up customer service so I am still (for now) recommending with a reservation that if you do buy a download pattern, you check carefully and, maybe, wait before buying any yarn - just in case, lol.

So, I will enjoy working on both patterns and, if all works out and if they are well written patterns that work, I am very likely to go back to her site because some of the other designs are just beautiful and you know what I'm like with a crochet project.  I do like a challenge.

(The photo is a screen shot from the site)

Phew - that was a story and a half!!  On to today and I need to get petrol so I checked prices and at the moment it seems like Sainsburys is the cheapest.  What a good excuse!!  I did a shop yesterday in Morisons but never mind, I always love a look round Sainsburys.
Hobbycraft isn't that far away either so why not?  And Longacre.
Oh, dear!!!

When I get home, I will deal with a pile of ironing and I have some meal planning to get finished.  I might even do some gardening, you never know.  Some things need an autumn haircut; not the tomatoes though.  They are still giving generously and there's loads of green ones still coming.  Before I started this, I shoved another bagful in the freezer so cans of chopped tomatoes will NOT be appearing on my shopping lists for months to come.

Right, well, this seems to have gone on and on and on so I will love you and leave you now.   Have a really good Saturday and see you tomorrow.  xx

Friday, 02-10-26

 Morning, everyone.  Welcome to Friday.
I'm feeling much more like myself now, thankfully.  Just a bit tired but I had a great night's sleep so no whinges today!

I was wondering what I could do for a Christmas craft project this year and I saw this:

This is a screen shot of the pattern which I have purchased after a bit of thought as it's not cheap but it seems very well written with lots of extra advice and I think it is really lovely.

Here's the link to the site where there's a much better, brighter picture.
https://crochetbyluna.com/products/crochet-christmas-wreath-pattern-pdf-poinsettias-pinecones-bells-bow-full-assembly-guide-us-uk-terms

The whole site is worth a look if you like that sort of thing - there's some gorgeous patterns there.

The stitches look easy but the construction will be a challenge and I need to buy yarn as it's cotton yarn, worsted/Aran weight.  However, the individual motifs I can make in my usual DK acrylic, for practise or for little decorations or cards.
And I could go for brighter colours if I wanted.  

Now's the time to start thinking about it so I could start in November.

A bit more spendy stuff.  I'm sure we have all seen warnings about bad weather incoming, other potential national/international disasters, etc, etc, etc, not necessarily all generated by the sensationalist gutter press.  I tend to take these with a pinch of salt but, at the same time, a bit of common sense is a useful thing and, while I have no concerns with shelf stable stuff, I can't find the camping stove I thought I had so I've bought another and some spare cylinders.  You know - just in case.
I can't safely use it indoors but I have a garden room with one side openable - I'd much rather not but we will see.
(I can always use it on summer days - cleaner than a bbq!!)
Now I am wondering if I'm sensible or silly!

Thinking of spendy, I've been looking quite seriously at one of the Jo Malone Advent calendars (don't shoot me all at once, please) but today I woke to a bit of good news from my premium bonds (nothing dramatic but a bit of nice leading up to Christmas) and, suddenly, I don't really want that calendar very much after all.  Weird how a lot of 'wanting' is only because you can't, not because you genuinely want it.
When I go into town to get Beth's present (some Jo Malone perfume - we're both fans), I'll treat myself to one of my favourites that has run out - much more sensible!!  It can be one of my Twelve Days of Christmas gifts to myself.
(and I can get the yarn for that Christmas wreath now!!)
The rest goes into savings, probably into my Jolly Holidays account!  :-)

Wishing you a lovely Friday when everything goes well and everything works out as you want.
Take care and be safe.  xx

Thursday, 01-10-26

Morning.  October is here - happy new month to everyone (that sounds nicer than pinch and punch!!).

Apologies for yesterday.  Wasn't feeling 100%, slept very badly over Tuesday night, just didn't have the motivation.

Yesterday was a bit busy.
In the morning, I took the bus into town for my audiology appointment.  I have been less than happy with the quality of sound offered by my new (and expensive) hearing aids but this is what these follow up appointments are for.  The settings don't always work first time, you have to live with them and then tweak as needed.  The nearest I can get is that the incoming sound was like a badly tuned radio.
Joseph (the audiologist, can't remember his last name) spend a considerable time retuning, tweaking settings, etc, before he started linking the new microphone which was the other reason I was there.  

I've mentioned before that my phone bluetooths direct to my aids and I have a gizmo that does the same with the TV and my laptop.  This mic does a similar thing, clipped on to a speaker's clothing, very useful for guided tours, meetings, etc.
I'd really have liked the next model up which can sit in the middle of a group, pick up all speakers and bluetooth but it was more than three times the cost of the one I bought - and that wasn't cheap, believe me!  Maybe, if tomorrow brings the news that my premium bonds have given me oodles of spare cash . . . 
(and pigs might fly!)

All of this took pretty much all morning so when I got home I had lunch and then had a good sleep.  I needed the sleep because it was the governors' meeting in the evening.
It was a really good and positive meeting and the mic worked an absolute dream.  I was so pleased.  Now to see if it helps in Slimming World group tomorrow.

I sent off my gas readings as always via my account and was greeted by the message that I was paying too much - well, that's not news and by the end of the winter they won't be saying that, will they?  That's surely the whole point of paying a set amount monthly!!  To be fair, because my boiler now only heats water at point of need, I'm definitely using less but that's counterbalanced by price rises.

Today is easier.  First of all, no personal training as Lindsey is away.  Val was coming over for lunch but we have rescheduled as she needs to be elsewhere.  So it is just the coffee and chat with Chris and then I can chill.  I need to - I just feel quite worn out at the moment, no idea why, I just do.  I need to potter, sort out clutter, get my environment looking nice.  That will help a lot.

It feels really humid this morning round here.  I'm going to have an early bath and then start the day.  I hope your day is just what you want it to be.  All the best.  xx

Tuesday, 29-09-26

Morning, my lovelies.  We have had some very welcome rain overnight - everything is still so very dry and it's going to take months before things are back to normal again.

Yesterday started busy and ended gently.
After circuits, I whizzed home, got changed, etc, and whizzed back out to gather the bus into town where I met Alex outside M&S.  Three quarters of an hour later we had sorted all Alex's Christmas gifts out and I had treated myself (bad me) to some Lush bath stuff and a really nice pair of earrings from an art shop.
Because wbhy not.

This art shop is a sort of collective shop that sells creations by local artists and crafts people and also supports people with challenges that make it hard for them to work.  I think it is run by the local church and I wish I could remember its name!!

After that we had lunch.  In my mind I had something like the M&S cafe but Alex had something else in mind so when I suggested Zizzi his face lit up!  So we went there and it was lovely.  We decided we ought to make this a monthly thing.

Once home, I collected my thoughts and then drove over to Beth with her bread and some tomatoes.

By the way, the change in technique worked for Lindsey's sourdough.   When it is wholegrain, you don't get the typical 'holes' in the crumb; it is more even. Mine is, anyway.  What you do get is the sourdough flavour, the rise and the digestibility!
Lindsey sent a photo to show me and she said it was absolutely delicious.  So that's good!!

Today it is Groove and another quick whizz round to freshen up and get changed before I have to pop into school for a SEND meeting.

Then the day's my own so it's housework stuff because it's much needed!  :-)

Have a good day, everyone, whatever the weather.  xx

Monday, 28-09-26

Really sorry - I wrote this on time and didn't post it by mistake.  Ooops!

Morning, everyone.  Welcome to Monday, so close to the end of the month now.  It's a bit of a dull start and predicted to stay that way most of the day but that's OK.

This is the cross stitch I am working on.  It's a kit I bought at the Sandringham Flower Show earlier this year and quite a challenge.  I don't normally need to tack in the guide lines, just use spatial skills but I did this time.  As you can see, I'm doing the 'twigs' and the berries all round and then there's quite a lot of top stitching for definition.
I'm not great at topstitching but am really enjoying it, all the same!

I got my four loaves baked,  You saw the photo of the yeasted ones which took all morning.  Lindsey's sourdoughs took all day and were baked in the evening.  I tried something I read somewhere and didn't do all the stretch and folds, just a good knead to start with and one more set after first rising.  They've risen fine but I will have to ask Lindsey what the crumb is like.

And I've finished KCSIIE!  Yay! I found that a summary of all the changes was one of the appendices  so I really have finished and I fervently hope I don't need to refer back to it during the year although, in the interests of thoroughness, I will go over the SEND section again, me being the SEND Link Governor.  It's a weight off my mind!

Today is busy!

First of all, there's circuits at Shimmy Studio.  Then it's a quick freshen up and change before catching the bus into town to meet up with Alex.  Beth's birthday is coming up and we're doing some birthday and Christmas present shopping together before we have lunch.  I'm really looking forward to it.

I think Beth has been dropping him a few heavy hints!
I might get a few bits for my own present list too, if I see anything.
Finally, once home (leaving Alex in town for something at the library), I need to drive over to Beth's with some tomatoes and her bread.  I should have taken them yesterday but rather thoughtlessly enjoyed a couple of glasses of nice red with lunch and I have a strict rule about no alcohol if I'm driving.

In the evening, I have some paperwork to look over for a meeting tomorrow but that shouldn't take too long.

If there's time, as all my payments, etc, have been made for this month, I will probably close this month's spreadsheet as see what (if anything) can either go into savings or carry over - probably the latter, what with Christmas spending, etc.

I think that's it.  Fingers crossed I haven't forgotten anything.  Have a lovely day, everyone.  xx

Sunday, 27-09-26

   Morning (just!) everyone.  A bit late this morning as I had a good lie in and have been making bread, both sourdough and yeasted.  The yeasted loaves are in the oven now so I'm keeping half an eye on the clock as I type.
(a good excuse for any typos!)

Isn't this nice?  I love it.  It's the cover of my diary for 2027.  I usually go for a marbled cover - yes, I pay extra for a pretty cover but I do have to look at it all year! - but this time, this one caught my eye.

Yesterday was, as expected, a quiet day.  I did some washing that dried on the line and I need to get that ironed at some point today.  I did some reading and some Governor stuff, continued with my cross stitch and watched more telly that I should really.

We had a beautiful sunset yesterday and that's another advantage of the trees being chopped back.  

There's two actually.  One is seeing sunsets in all their glory and also I can see the positive impact on my solar panels.  I know I rabbit on about those panels now and again but they have made such a difference to my spring/summer/autumn electricity usage and bills (around £20 per month and most of that is standing charge) and, since the tree chopping, as the days get shorter and the sun is lower, the panels are generating power much later in the day than before.

Don't get me wrong, I love those trees and would never want them cut right down, but I do appreciate some advantages when they have to be cut right back.

The Strictly season has started, of course.  I really enjoyed last night and I'm sure it will feature in my Sunday posts as time passes!

Today is still quiet but there's stuff to be done, all the same.  The aforementioned bread and ironing, of course plus bits and bobs.  I want to finish KCSIE and I'm nearing the end of a book I'd like to finish, maybe in bed this evening.

Finally (no cheering at the back, please), I've just taken Beth's loaves out of the oven.  Don't they look nice.

I use Thermione so it's perhaps all a bit of a cheat, but I mix and knead the sourdough first and remove it to a bowl.  Then I mix and knead the yeasted bread in the same bowl without cleaning it.  The little bit of sourdough really helps to get a great rise.

Better stop and send this as it's now afternoon, not morning.  I hope your Sunday is going really well.  
See you tomorrow.  xx  

Saturday, 26-09-26

 Morning, everyone!  It's the weekend, a few days of comparative rest for some and the sun is ashining brightly.
Thanks very much for all the fish and chips/fish on Friday comments - they were interesting.  

I got a real shock when I stepped on those scales yesterday at Slimming World.  I went, thinking that a maintain would be areal win but, somehow, not quite sure how, I lost two and a half pounds.  That cheered me up no end.

When I got home, I had a message from Beth.  She needed to be round here for one of those eye things where you dilate the pupils first  and couldn't drive afterwards.  So I took here, brought her back to mine and she stayed around until her vision settled again.  It was a good opportunity for a chat and she took some tomatoes with her - three cheers.

While we were waiting in the eye clinic, I got out my Kindle to read some more KCSIE, telling Beth what I was doing.  A lady opposite up laughed and said she'd ploughed through it at the beginning of September and then the new, considerably changed version was published mid-Septemberso she's now having to read it all through again.  Poor lady!
Anyway, I am on the appendices now so nearly there.

I took just a few garden photos yesterday:

The middle bed, the flower bed is looking just like a country cottage garden - crowded and loaded with colour.  Just what I want it to look like.  Not the best photo, I know, but you get the idea.

The tomatoes keep on giving.  They are slowing down now but I am now hoping for no frosts for a while.
And I am looking up green tomato chutney recipes and saving jars!

This was a surprise I only noticed yesterday.
Longer term readers might remember me getting a little fig bush, knowing that the British summer isn't long or warm enough to produce fruit that has time to ripen.
However - just look what I noticed.  Two ripe, nicely squidgy figs!  Yay.
I knew there was a reason why I bought some Serrano ham this week - not quite prosciutto but it'll do.  And while I don't have goats' cheese, I do have some real feta.
Guess what lunch is today!

I'm having a chilled weekend (another one) because next week is quite busy one way and another.

So today I will be menu planning, reading, cross stitching and generally taking things easy.  Nice.
Hoping your day is good too.  xx

Friday, 25-09-26

Good morning, you lovely people.  Welcome to Fish and Chips day - although I don't usually, do you?

It's chilly right now but I gather it will warm up in a while - typical Autumn weather, in fact.

Personal training yesterday was good, as it always is.  I don't have one next week as Lindsey is away, but I have plenty to work on so that's OK.  Lindsey posted a few things about hips mobility and leg strength on one of her groups and they both look the sort of thing I could work with.

Chris and I had a good old natter and I managed to palm off some of my tomatoes!  Hers are pretty much finished now and she bought some the other day so I wish I'd offered sooner.  Not to worry, she knows now.
Kay didn't come.  She's had a really rough time recently and is withdrawing from house cleaning until after Christmas when she will make a decision whether to resume or not.  I have every sympathy for her; life can be very challenging at times.

I'm ploughing through KCSIE.  I set my watch to fifteen  minutes at a time and it's really helped.  I'm now more than half way through and there are a lot of appendices that I don't have to do more than skim read so I'm confident that I will finish it today.  I'm also going to read through the summary of changes (there's quite a lot) which, I think, will be more relevant.

Finally, I had a lovely online chat with friends from the Slim Win group.  We haven't 'met' all summer so there was plenty to catch up on.

Today, being Friday, is Slimming World day.  I haven't been angelic this week so I'm not expecting any miracles - a maintain would be fantastic!  :-)

And no fish and chips.  I'm making Spanish white bean stew which looks both delicious and dead easy!  And healthy!

Have a lovely day and enjoy your fish and chips if that's what you're having.  xx

Thursday, 24-09-26

Morning, all.

After 'eeeking' at all the tomatoes yesterday, I set to and processed all the older ones into my version of passata.  I threw the lot into Thermione, added a splash of water, cooked them for 15 mins, gave them a good blend. pushed the lot through my mouli to catch any remain seeds (there were some) and then reduced it all down a bit on the hob.
The house smelled wonderful and the freezer groaned!

I've been liaising with Alex over Beth's birthday (next month) and Christmas presents and we had a bit of a Messenger chat about things.  I do like organising gifts, it is such fun.  I'd already ordered stuff from Temu and from Amazon and Alex choose what he would like to give.  I'm happy to give what he didn't choose as it's all nice.  We're meeting up next week to do some more gift shopping and, if time permits, have lunch together.  That will be lovely!  

I'm expecting the Amazon stuff to arrive today and I'm looking forward to tucking it all away with the other Christmas things.

I'm ploughing my way through KCSIE.  Honestly, it's a bit ridiculous.  Over a hundred (edit - two pages short of two hundred!) pages of solid stuff and everyone in education is required to read it - us (volunteer!!) Governors have to do it once a year; if we don't all sign something to say we have read it, it can trigger an OFSTED fail.
I never remember more than a little bit of it.  Don't get me wrong. it is a very, very important document, but . . .  < sigh >
I'll do a bit more this afternoon.

Today is busy - at least this morning is.  I have personal training at 8:15 so I need to leave just before eight.  When I get home, it is a quick freshen up and change before Chris comes over for our chat.  Then it's Kay, who had to reschedule from Monday.  Not that the last is 'busy', as such but I feel guilty about someone else working when I'm not and my bedroom needs some attention so - there you go!

Better get going, I guess.  At least this afternoon will be nice and relaxing (fingers crossed).

Take care, stay well and be happy.  xx

Wednesday, 23-09-26: just another day!

Morning, all.  Yesterday started off quite gloomy but brightened up beautifully a bit later on,  before clouding over again.  The evenings are definitely getting chilly though.  I'm eyeing up my crocheted blankets!  😉

Chris and I drove to Groove.  I'm finding that the classes I am going to are not comfortable for my knee but afterwards it feels a lot better, so that's great.  Groove was fun, Lindsey was in top form and there were lots of laughs.

I decided I ought to be a responsible governor and get my Safeguarding update training done so that's now all ticked off and recorded.  I also started ploughing my way through Keeping Children Safe In Education which is compulsory reading.  There's a lot of changes this year and it is a mega huge thing so I will take it slowly.

If I can get it finished today, I can sign to say I've done it and my conscience is clear.  I won't remember it, of course I won't, but I will have done the necessary.

There's nothing in the diary today so I think I will tackle some of the autumn gardening.  Not the tomatoes - they are still giving generously - but the cucumbers are over and the rhubarb is dying back.  Next year I can pull some and enjoy it but this year it will feed either the green bin or my compost..

I've just been out to pick tomatoes.  I didn't pick yesterday but even so, eeeek!!!  And I haven't shown you what I already have and not used . . .

More passata to make today.  Frozen in those silicon lego blockthings, they take up the least amount of room and I will use them through the winter and spring.

And some to give away too, definitely!  Chris, Tracy next door, Beth and Alex . . .

Finally, I have a very short shopping list so I'm going to pootle off to Morrisons at some point.

Have a good say, everyone.  Enjoy the last dregs of summer while it lasts.  See you tomorrow.  xx

Tuesday, 22-09-26: Spain outings

Our stay in Spain wasn't in anyway a touristy experience.  A lot of what we did was at the Mill - social, fitness related, short walks, etc - but there were a few outings.

The first one I didn't go on, partly because Diane wasn't going, partly because neither of us is good with long walks on uneven surfaces and partly because my knee hurt.  However, the others said it was really lovely.  I can't find anything specific about it on Google and only know it is the Enchanted Forest, of which there are loads.

On Wednesday we went to the spa at Cela.

https://www.visit-andalucia.com/balsa-de-cela-roman-baths/

It's a natural springs lido with green space to chill and eating places nearby.

The 'grass' was artificial but lovely and soft and the trees kept it shady and cool.

The actual pool was huge with a stony bottom.  I didn't go in but someone said it was quite warm but quite slippery underfoot.

In the morning, there was a group of youngsters having what looked like a boating lesson and they were having a wonderful time.

It was just a lovely, family oriented place with everyone chilling and enjoying the vibe.

Just another view of the grass.

This was the night of the Big Storm.  Sorry I have no videos - I thought I had saves some but no.  It was, I gather, very dramatic.  I slept through it!

After some more rain last week, Lindsey posted a video she was sent of the rambla where we were supposed to - er - ramble the next day.  The guide cancelled as she said it would be dangerous after the rain - and you can see why, can't you?  

The following day, we were supposed to visit a local planetarium that Lindsey said was really good.  However, the owner and guide was unwell so it was cancelled so instead we went to Baza where they had post fiesta celebrations.

In random order - a model railway to celebrate the opening of a local line fifty (I think) years ago.

A food and drink area that was absolutely packed with youngsters and families having an amazing time.  Not rowdy, not in any way intimidating, just lively and happy.

A really good big wheel that cost four euros for a long ride.  Yes, I did.  

Proof!!

Lots of bright lights.

Restaurants under canvas.

This stall sold shots of Madeira.  Yes, we did.  It was lovely.

This was such a good evening.

On the last evening we went to Seron.

https://www.andalucia.com/province/almeria/seron/home.htm

There's a lot of interesting info about Seron here - well worth a read.

https://www.eyeonspain.com/blogs/remarkable/9115/seron-what-a-beautiful-town-.aspx

This is the view from Seron, right across the Almanzora valley to the mountains the other side.  To get there we went through marble quarries and desert areas, very dramatic.

We went up to the Castle to catch the views.  I found it hard going because of my knee but it was well worth it.

Diane and I didn't do the last bit to the very top . . . 

But the others did and there we are!!

After that we wandered through cobbled paths that were quite scary to negotiate with a wonky knee, past Spanish homes . . . 

And rather more modern things until we found the restaurant and that was the last trip.  We went home the next day.

I'm glad I'm going back again.  As I said, it wasn't a touristy finding-things-out kind of holiday but I felt we got a little taste of Spanish life even so.

Seron was particularly lovely  and well worth another visit.

So that's my Spanish holiday.  I was tired when I got home but, at the same time, felt rejuvenated and energised.  It was lovely, well worth it.  xx

Monday, 20-09-26

    Morning, all.  No more Spain yet, sorry, but I did get quite a lot done yesterday - washing, ironing, housework and a big old freezer tidy up.

And I ate The Pear.  The single pear from my pear tree.  And it was delicious.  Looking forward to next year now, fingers crossed.

Today starts, as always, with circuits and then, fingers crossed, Kay is coming.  It's not been a great summer for housework help for various reasons but, hopefully, tomorrow will work.

And that's about it - it is a quiet life at the moment.  xx

Sunday, 20-09-26

Morning, all.  We're into the last third of September now and aren't the days getting shorter now!  And cooler mornings and evenings too; it's so nice to snuggle under the covers in bed now - very cosy.

Sorry, I haven't done the Spain blog yet.  Maybe today, I'll see.

What I do have is a downstairs to tidy (it's a right mess) and ironing to get finished.  I'll start with that, I think, and get it done.
Then I need to sort out the freezer again - it's bursting at the seams and needs some reorganising.
And bread to make.

Better got going, hadn't I?  

xx

Saturday, 19-09-26

Morning, everyone.  Welcome to Saturday's blog.

We had the best time at Aqua Springs yesterday - in an understated way.  We didn't have any packages or treatments although there's plenty on offer, we just went for the joy of relaxing  in warm bubbles, steam rooms, saunas, etc.  Beth had had a stressful couple of weeks - nothing bad, just things ramping up temporarily - and she very much needed some chilled time.
We chatted, soaked, relaxed, had a nice lunch of cheesy jacket potato and salad, coffee before we left and it was just lovely!

I got a bit of a shock when I drew my curtains back this morning.

This is the view across my garden, back of next door's house to the right, corner of garden room, the dividing fence and two trees which are outside my neighbours' boundary on the other side.  So there's trees on a small slope, a road and the countryside.
Yesterday morning the view was of solid leaves from side to side, meeting in the middle and cutting down significantly on my neighbours' light and a bit on mine too (but not that bad).
As they are on council land, they're not GT and T's responsibility but they were not only greatly impacting on light but also there were branches dangerously close to the corner of their house.

Obviously, yesterday, it was their turn for the chop!  I didn't notice yesterday because I didn't look out when I got home.

Poor trees - what a massacre!  However, they will recover in a few years.  It's happened before and five years later you would never have known.  In the meanwhile, we will enjoy the extra light and an enhanced country view.
And there won't be any leaves to sweep up this autumn!

There's absolutely nothing in the diary over this week.  I have the usual stuff - bread to make, washing, drying and ironing, meal planning, etc, but I've started off with a cafetiere of good coffee rather than just a mug and I'm going to chill.
Later on, I will work on the last bit of the Spain recount but that will be fun to remember.  It'll probably go up tomorrow.

Hoping you have a lovely weekend too.  xx

Friday, 18-09-26

Morning.  It feels chilly this morning but the sun is almost shining so fingers crossed.

Another quick one because it's nearly time to leave for Slimming World and I'm leaving early because Beth has a day off and we are going to Aqua Springs in Colchester for a spa day.  No treatments, just lots of swimming/soaking in bubbles, sauna, etc and a lunch there.
And lots and lots of catch up and chat.

I'm looking forward to it very much.  xx

17-09-26: Food at the Old Spanish Mill

When you use the Old Spanish Mill. there's several different ways to do it.  It used to be on a bookings site, like an air B&B  but the owner found that there was an unacceptable amount of damage done and mistreatment of the facilities so it is let more on personal recommendation and through their own site now.  

People can book just a room or two, plus the facilities as extras, it can be used as a self catering or catering can be done for you.
Lindsey booked the full Monty - all the rooms, use of the studio and the pool and all food included plus trips out and transport.  Completely inclusive, in fact.

The meals were a mix of UK with a Spanish slant and proper Spanish that would be 'acceptable' to a group of Brits.

So breakfasts were always fruit, yogurt, cereals, toast, plus blueberry pancakes for a few days and pastries (croissants, pain au chocolat, etc) on a couple of days.  Sausage and bacon were Spanish!
Lunch and dinners started with what was basically tapas - Spanish cured meats, dips, always a big platter of salad, cheeses, bread, etc.  To be honest, that would have been enough!  Then there was some sort of main and then dessert.  And drinks with wine in the evenings.
And there was always food on the side - fruit, nuts, crisps, cake and 'bars' - there was a particularly nice orange flapjack sort of thing and I might possibly had had too many of them!

I took a few photos of the meals at the Mill and when eating out.

As I said, meals were a mix of UK and Spanish - Darren was from the UK and, while not a 'proper chef', he was a jolly good cook.
This was one of the Spanish dishes - a proper, authentic Spanish tortilla de patatas and it was so delicious.
I made one this week but couldn't bring myself to use anything near the amount of evoo the recipe demanded so it wasn't quite the same but jolly good, all the same.

One evening, we had paella - or a version of it.  Like many local dishes, there are regional variations.

Darren made a chicken one (below) and a vegetarian one and both were superb.

He used a proper paella set up with that large shallow pan over a burner - I wish I'd taken a photo of it.

A sample of the salads.  Such a lovely mix of ingredients.

Self explanatory!

We went out for a few meals . . . 

When we went to the natural spa at Balsa de Cela (more about that in another post), we had lunch is a local restaurant, the Caseta Tia Matilde, a very friendly place with nice servers who were very understanding of our ignorance of Spanish (Lindsey did GCSE Spanish so had a bit).

This what I had and, while it looks like burger an chips, the pork burger wasn't made of pork mince, it was proper pork and the add ons were spicy and flavoursome while the patatas < grin > were NOT chips!

Fish is a local industry and Dan had a fish platter which was amazing!

There was one outing we couldn't do so instead we went to Baza.
On the 6th (the day we were travelling out), Baza held a traditional Fiesta which sounded extremely raucous and messy ( https://www.andalucia.com/province/granada/altiplano/baza/cascamorras-festival )

On Thursday evening we headed there to experience post Fiesta celebrations - basically a big fair in the town centre.

There weren't many street food stalls; instead there were proper restaurants under canvas but we did sample some Madeira (I think it was Madeira anyway) .

Afterwards, after dark, we had coffee/wine/beer and nibbles at a street café.  Great atmosphere.

On Saturday night we went to a restaurant in Seron and the rest of the photos are what some people had - I didn't take any of these photos.

Cod with prawns and brie (and various seasonings)

Salad

Steak

and the most amazingly plated calamari!!

Again, the staff were very accommodating and understanding of the language issue.

After all that, it seems almost unfair to say the Mill food was a bit of a disappointment, but only because I'd have loved full on Spanish and it wasn't, it was a fusion.

However, it was still amazing, beautifully cooked, not the least bit fancy, we ate a ton (and gained a ton, I expect) and now I am having fun looking up authentic Spanish cuisine.

('Disappointment' really isn't the right word at all, is it? )

I am NOT looking forward to getting on those scales at Slimming World tomorrow.

Coman bien todos 

(Google tells me it is Spanish for 'eat well, everyone')

Thursday, 17-09-26

 Morning, one and all.  Thursday has landed and so has some fairly heavy rain.  It's very dark and gloomy out there right now so I guess the solar panels wont be given much to work on for a while.  Yesterday was very pleasant though and we still need loads of rain down here so absolutely no grumbles whatsoever.
I feel for teachers though - wet playtimes are no fun!

This is just a quick post as I have PT soon and then coffee with Chris but after that I'd like to work on the next bit of my Spanish holiday.  Maybe there will be another post later on today.

Yesterday was a pleasant day - I got all the ironing done but the washing basket is already filling up again what with clothes, towels, bedding, etc.  

Sharon came round, chopped at my hair and I feel civilised again!

Right, better go, bathe and get ready for an energetic forty five minutes.  Have a really lovely day, everyone, whatever the weather throws at us!  😊  xx

Wednesday, 16-09-26

Morning, all; welcome to Wednesday!  How are you all today.
Half way through September already - how is that even possible?  

Just an ordinary blog today - because life goes on.

The journey home on Sunday was as expected.  We left Almeria in glorious morning sunshine and landed to teeming rain!!
The last time I used Stansted (in the 1990s!!!) it was a small, friendly, easily negotiated place and I really enjoyed the experience.  Suffice it to say, it has changed!

Almeria, on the other hand, gave old-Stansted vibes.  Small, easily negotiated, friendly people, one - just one - duty free shop and space to breathe.  At Stansted, it felt like miles of duty free to negotiate, crowded, over stimulating - just not very nice really.

Anyway . . .

I got home just after four and didn't do much at all!

On Monday, I went to circuits and did washing - the ironing is still sitting in the basket; I really do need to get that done - and slept quite a lot.

Yesterday, I went to Groove and in the evening I was out at the Harvester with Beth, Linda and Julia.  It was a lovely time, as always!  In between, I rested - lol!

Today, Sharon is coning to deal with my hair, after which time I will feel normal again!  There's that ironing and some housework and I'm sure I will snooze too.  I'm still feeling weary!  :-)

And I will work on the next bit of the Spain account (or recount, as we used to call it in school)!

Have a great day, all.  Take care.  xx

Tuesday, 15-09-26 - Molino Viejo (the Old Spanish Mill)

Good morning, everyone.

Here's a link to info about the Mill from a booking site:  https://turismoalmanzora.com/en/item/old-spanish-mill/

The Mill's own site:  https://www.oldspanishmill.com/

And there's some YouTube stuff as well.

This is about three years old:

And about two years ago:

It's a lovely place, an old water mill that has been adapted into a sort of 'wellness' centre or holiday base.  It's not luxury but it is very comfortable in a simple way and the vibe is just lovely.

I took photos and will just talk you through my perspective.

Because it is old and rural and Mediterranean, the walls are well over half a metre thick, the windows are small, covered with mesh (I didn't get bitten once!) with wide opening windows and wooden shutters inside.
Overnight, I could open the windows wide open and the mesh kept all the bugs at bay.  When the sun started shining in, I closed the windows and the shutters and the ceiling fan kept everything beautifully cool, even when it was baking outside.
It did make for a gloomy room but that was not an issue.

The beds looked basic but were really comfortable and each room had an ensuite - mine had a bath as well as a shower which I was thrilled about.  There was plenty of storage and we all had one person occupancy.  

There were plenty of artefacts to remind us of its past - this is in the corner of the lounge (see below) . . .

Yes, that's a TV, the only one in the whole place and it didn't go on once all week.

This is to the left of the above photo, outside (obviously) - more mill stuff.  Many of the doors and windows were protected with bars.

The lounge.  Very cool, very comfortable and I may have fallen asleep once or twice in there during siesta time.

I quickly got into the habit of seeking a cool place from around two thirty to five because it did get very hot and a bit humid.  Mornings and evenings were just perfect.

I just LOVED those floor tiles.

This was taken just outside the main 'house', looking up.  It's build on quite a slope so there's levels and it definitely isn't wheelchair friendly in the slightest.  Just to the left is where we say and chatted or played games and to the right is the lounge.

And, yes, the sky really was that colour most of the time.

We had rain once - a really dramatic night time storm that I missed completely (hearing aids out!) but which kept everyone awake for a while, as did the flooding.  Old windows, bit leaky, I gather.  Normally not a problem but this was a pretty dramatic storm, they said.

Part of the studio where Lindsey did classes.  At the other end there's a massage table and various bits and bobs and there are two windows that look over the mountain slopes.  I meant to take a photo and forgot.

One of several little sitting areas.

And the pool.  Unheated and felt cold when you got in but once in it was delightful.  Lindsey did several aqua classes.

Here's what I mentioned earlier - where we sat to chat or play games.  A very sociable area.  The two windows on the left look into the dining room where we ate our meals.

The sign!!!

A view!  It was like that all the way round and there were a lot of wind turbines.  I love them -they are elegant and carry hope for the future - they do to me anyway.  Much nicer that those ugly old pylons (we could see a few of them too, mind you!).

Over-exposed.  Top to bottom.

(and at this point I glanced at the clock and realised I needed to dash off for Groove - sorry.  Home again now and carrying on!!

The 'roads' up to the mill were really just stony tracks so the last bit of each return was - interesting! 

Being a mill, there used to be a river, of course.  It's now a drop into a dried up river bed that occasionally floods again if there's heavy rain higher up.  Those stones on the edge are the only things blocking the drop.  A bit scary when reversing to the gate on a dark night.

So that's the Old Spanish Mill.  It was such a lovely place - homey, comfortable and restful.

I've booked to go back.  Both next year's trips are booked (Lindsey takes a maximum of eight) and so is April 2028.  She opened booking for September 2028 last week, five of us immediately confirmed and the other three places are now taken.  That's how much people love it.

More tomorrow.  xx